A message from the
Managing Director At Brickworks, we understand our long-term responsibilities, and the impact and influence we have on the environment, our customers, employees, communities and shareholders. We take great pride in manufacturing our products in a sustainable way, creating sustainable developments and beautiful products that last forever. We integrate sustainability and innovation into product design, resulting in greater energy and resource efficiency over the operational lifetime of a building.
Sustainability Strategy Launch During FY20, we developed our new sustainability strategy, “Build for Living: Towards 2025”. The strategy will build on the progress we have made and deliver a positive impact for our stakeholders. During its development, we engaged further with our internal and external stakeholders, to understand and validate what issues matter the most to them. Our sustainability strategy focuses on the opportunity to make buildings and cities safe, resilient and sustainable. It sets a clear pathway with 15 measurable targets and commitments across three pillars: Responsible Business, Environment, and Our People and Community. Among our commitments are the following stretch targets: 35% female senior executives by 2025, double our volume of products sold that hold leading sustainable qualities by 2025, and increase gas efficiency at Austral Bricks plants by 10% by 2030. I would like to record my thanks to my team, the Brickworks Board and the Audit and Risk Committee for their involvement in the development of the strategy. During FY20, we continued to deliver on the sustainability targets we set in FY19. We have achieved pleasing results and improvements in safety, employee development and diversity, energy, water, resource efficiency, community and governance. Through “Build for Living: Towards 2025”, our commitment to these areas continues. Brickworks recognises the importance of increased disclosure and action related to climate risk. Brickworks has commenced preparing a plan to meet the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).
Responding to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant uncertainty for global economies. This global public health crisis continues to evolve with far reaching consequences that are difficult to predict. Brickworks continues to monitor the situation closely, and our primary focus is on ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all employees and customers. We have enacted a range of procedures, such as hygiene programs, Personal Protection Equipment, remote working and temperature checks for all employees and visitors entering our premises. We regularly check in with our employees to ensure they are managing their mental health and wellbeing during this challenging time. We have developed business planning and scenario modelling tools to support our decision making over the coming months. Our U.S. business has been most disrupted and our focus is on workforce management, minimising costs, and preparing operations to quickly ramp up when conditions allow. In this unprecedented and challenging period, I would like to acknowledge the entire team at Brickworks, who have remained steadfastly positive and committed. I have never felt more proud to work among such outstanding people.
Brickworks Sustainability Report 2020 p 03
